Students participated in a fundraiser March 9 at Remington Elementary School. Hosted by Boosterthon, the fundraiser culminated in a run where students received pledges for completing each lap. The money raised will be used for teacher grants. Boosterthon provides “a fun, healthy alternative to sales-driven fundraisers.” As part of the school’s health and wellness policy, the run encouraged students to set individual, team and school goals. A pep rally was held at the elementary school in February to kick off the fundraiser.

Boosterthon team members “Java Joe” and “Gnarly Charlie” taught lessons at the school leading up to the run, focusing on character education and physical fitness. They visited with students before and after school, joined them during lunch, and read in classrooms.

“They just totally pump the kids up,” said Susan Ancell, assistant principal.

Staff and parents cheered for students while they ran for 30 minutes around two ad hoc tracks. Laps were logged by staff, who crossed out each lap number on a sticker that was attached to the back of students’ shirts. Snippets from songs like “The Cha-Cha slide” played on speakers while Boosterthon team members provided different prompts to follow. Students were encouraged stay hydrated by refilling their cups with water every 3-5 laps.

“[The run] was fantastic,” said Ancell. “The whole week is fantastic.”